Why Do We Live at 10bits/s?

A study reveals the human brain processes information at a surprisingly slow rate of 10 bits per second. This is significantly slower than even early dial-up internet speeds. Our senses receive billions of bits per second, but the brain filters this to focus on essential data. This filtering mechanism is crucial for survival, preventing sensory overload and enabling efficient action. Researchers posit this slow processing is an evolutionary adaptation prioritizing efficiency over speed. The brain's design emphasizes focusing on critical tasks, conserving energy. Although machines surpass human processing power, our brains excel at prioritization and adaptation. The slow processing speed, despite the brain's complexity, remains a key question for researchers. This slow rate, while seemingly a limitation, has been sufficient for human survival throughout history. The brain's efficiency is its evolutionary advantage, not raw speed.